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Climbing Rope

For all types of climbing other than bouldering, a climbing rope is essential. There are a few different types of rope that will be useful for different types of climbing. The first distinction is whether or not the rope is dynamic or static and the second is whether the rope is dry or non-dry.

The difference between a static climbing rope and a dynamic is that one will not stretch and the other will. Static ropes are typically used in rappelling, where stretching makes descent more awkward and dangerous and hence stretch very little. Dynamic ropes can stretch five to seven feet in a big fall and are most commonly used in sport climbing. When a climber falls stretching is good because it helps keep the rope from breaking under the strain and it also keeps the climber from rag-dolling.

The next difference between climbing ropes is dry versus non-dry. A dry rope is typically more expensive because they are specially treated to withstand wetness. A wet rope can freeze and become heavier and more cumbersome. A wet rope also doesn’t resist shock as well and is more likely to break. Though dry ropes may not stay 100% dry they still perform better in adverse conditions. A non dry rope is typically less expensive and lacks the wetness resistance of a dry rope. They will work just fine in arid conditions but do not allow then to get wet.

 

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